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Surviving the Holidays
Monday, November 26, 2012
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The holidays should be a time to relax and enjoy quality time with the people you love. But as a new mom, it can be rather stressful dealing with disrupted routines, excess stimulation, and unusual social demands.
If a you are experiencing excessive stress or an overly busy schedule, you may find your milk supply decreasing. Here are some tips for surviving the holidays without too much disruption to your breastfeeding routine:
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• Make a list.
Plan a SHORT list of things that you really want to see or do during the holiday season and don’t let yourself get sidetracked. If you run yourself ragged you may find it harder to breastfeed your little one on-demand. Don't feel obligated to send christmas cards to your extended family and friends, or bake cookies for all your neighbors. Instead, try sending a holiday email or text message. Save time wrapping presents, buy gift bags at the dollar store instead.
• Accept help.
Accept all of the help that you can get and use the baby as an excuse to do less during the holidays. Don’t try to add things to your to-do list just because you are home on maternity leave. Maternity leave is the time to get to know your new little bundle of joy and develop a strong bond that will last a life time.
• Don’t pretend to be okay if you’re not.
Share your true thoughts and feelings about the holidays with someone that will understand. We all feel overwhelmed at times, and it’s perfectly understandable to feel so when you are a new mom. It’s also okay to grieve for the carefree years that you have left behind. The holidays will be different with a little one, and they are likely to be a lot more fun when your child is over two years of age. |
Limit the Stuffing!
Make sure that you aren’t eating too much of the herb sage which can decrease a milk supply. Eating leftover stuffing which usually contains the herb may decrease your supply a week or more after the holiday itself. |
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• Work in steps
Break-out tasks that must be accomplished into small steps that can be completed during your infant's 30 minute naps. (Though don’t be surprised if she unexpectedly wakes as soon as you’re ready to start a project!)
• Remember to LAUGH!
Keep your sense of humor even during the worst holiday catastrophes. Remember that the events will make for great holiday memories and you will be able to laugh about it someday.
• Keep track of feedings
The most important thing to do is to remember to make time for breastfeeding. With a hectic schedule and plenty of people to hold and soothe your baby you may not even notice a skipped feeding or two. Make sure that your holiday wardrobe will make breastfeeding easy and discreet. You may need to watch the clock more than you are used to so as not to miss a feeding.
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• Take care of yourself
Make sure that you continue to drink enough fluids and eat plenty of food. Leave parties early and get as much rest as possible. Spending time with family is a joy, but it’s important to remember to take care of your body. |
The benefits of continuing to breastfeed after the holidays are well worth the planning that goes into it. Your baby and your body will thank you in the long run.
Share your advice for surviving the holidays with other moms. Comment below.
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